Pentagon to seek new vets record system

May. 22, 2013 - 12:39PM
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WASHINGTON — A U.S. official says the Pentagon has decided to buy a new computerized health records system that will allow the department to better share and merge its data with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel is expected to announce the decision Wednesday, amid increasing pressure from Congress to address the frustrating delays and paperwork shuffle as service members move from the military’s health care program to the VA system.

The official says a monthlong review Hagel ordered concluded the Pentagon should not simply adopt the VA’s current electronic records system because buying a new software program would provide better technology and be more effective into the future.

The official was not authorized to speak publicly about the announcement so requested anonymity.